Citalopram vs Xanax

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Depression is one of the greatest diseases of the 21st century. Now nearly 30% of the world population is suffering from depressive state. The most important thing to realise is that depression is a serious nervous system disorder and it should not be ignored.

Are Citalopram and Xanax the best drugs to cure depressive conditions? Can you take Xanax with Citalopram? What is the main difference between these medications? Is Citalopram like Xanax?

Xanax vs. Citalopram: how they stack up

The major difference between Xanax and Citalopram is that these medications belong to different classes of substances. Citalopram is a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and Alprazolam, (which stands for Xanax) is a psychoactive benzodiazepine.

Despite being in different categories of drugs, Xanax and Citalopram are used to treat almost the same diseases.

Alprazolam vs. Citalopram: indications for use

Citalopram is usually administered for treating depressive disorders. However, there are various off-label usages, which proved to be effective:

Menstrual cramps treatment

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Dysthymia

Anxiety and panic attacks

Body dysmorphic disorder

Citalopram vs. Xanax: Drug Forms and Application

Xanax is manufactured by a leading pharmaceutical company Pfizer US Incorporation. Generic versions of Xanax are also available in a huge numbers. Being a substance, Citalopram is widely used as an ingredient in other medications. In addition to that, there are Citalopram Hydrobromide pills without other components, produced by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Pill forms

Xanax tablets have also engraved splitting divisions that enables more precise management of your Alprazolam intakes.

Citalopram Hydrobromide is issued in three strengths:

10 mg

20 mg

40 mg

All Citalopram Hydrobromide tablets are yellow and round-shaped with M imprint on them.

Dosing Xanax or Citalopram

Xanax has a direct impact on the nervous system, so it requires careful dosing. Alprazolam pills are generally prescribed to be taken three times a day. The treatment should begin with the small doses of 0.25-0.5 mg with the further gradual increase. The daily dose should not exceed 10 mg, which in other case would lead to overdose and dangerous consequences.

Citalopram compared to Xanax should be taken only once a day at the initial amount of 20 mg. The initial dose of Citalopram has to be increased, but less frequently than Xanax. The recommended increasing amount is 20 mg per week. There are no limitations regarding the daily limits, but the doses exceeding 40 mg/day are not recommended. Bigger amounts prolong the QT interval on the electrocardiogram, which might lead to development of heart diseases.

Xanax vs. Citalopram: Side Effects

The most commonly reported reactions to Xanax occur since the beginning of treatment and should disappear within 7-10 days. Patients mostly experience:

Dizziness

Decreased appetite

General weakness

Feeling or weariness

Light-headedness

Feeling of sadness and emptiness with no particular reason

Adverse reactions to Citalopram are a bit different from the ones to Xanax and are listed below:

Men often report erectile dysfunctions (inability to produce and maintain erection) during the Citalopram treatment. Women might become less interested in having sexual intercourses and have troubles with achieving orgasm.

Precautions and contraindications

Do not take Xanax (Alprazolam) if you have been diagnosed with any the conditions listed below:

Narrow-angle glaucoma

Suicidal attempts records

Fainting and hallucinations

Severe kidney or liver disease

Alcohol and drug dependence

Alcohol or drug consumption should be avoided while treating with Xanax and Alprazolam. Citalopram and Xanax are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the potential risk of problems with birth and child developing the drug addiction. Xanax and Citalopram are only suitable for people over 18 years old and have to be carefully prescribed to elderly people.

Allergic reactions

Allergy to Alprazolam or Citalopram is extremely dangerous and has the following signs:

Difficulties with breathing

Heartburns

Face swelling

Skin rash

Hives

Fever

If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should stop taking Xanax or Citalopram and call for help at once!

Overdose

Overdose symptoms are usually very severe and extremely dangerous. These include:

Call for emergency medical help if you have overdosed with Xanax or Citalopram. Do not ignore these symptoms as overdose might lead to a fatal outcome.

Xanax vs. Citalopram: addiction and withdrawal

The addictive forming properties of Alprazolam have been proven by many studies. If you apply the drug correctly, you will not become severely addicted to it. Xanax misuse and constant overdosing lead to the drug dependence.

Sudden Xanax withdrawal is contraindicated due to the severe consequences. You should stop taking the drug slowly by reducing the amount of Alprazolam every 3-4 days.

Unlike Xanax, Citalopram does not form any habits or addictions. For this reason, Citalopram can be taken for a long period of time and the treatment can stop abruptly.

Can you mix Xanax and Citalopram?

Taking Xanax with Citalopram is possible, but you should note that this would double the effect. This is not always secure as mixing Citalopram and Xanax intensifies the possible side as well. Moreover, this combination is likely to end up in the drug overdose.

For the reasons listed above, do not forget to talk to your doctor about mixing Citalopram and Xanax.

Author: Dr. Andrew J. Olson

Dr. Andrew J. Olson is a PHD in psychiatry. He is also a psychiatrist consultant at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. He also serves as a Clinical Director of the Department of Psychiatry, at Royal Marsden Hospital, in London, UK.

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Depression is one of the greatest diseases of the 21st century. Now nearly 30% of the world population is suffering from depressive state. The most important thing to realise is that depression is a serious nervous system disorder and it should not be ignored. Are Citalopram and Xanax the best drugs to cure depressive conditions? Can you take Xanax with Citalopram? What is the main difference between these medications? Is Citalopram like Xanax? Xanax vs. Citalopram: how they stack up The major difference between Xanax and Citalopram is that these medications belong to different classes of substances. Citalopram is a…